Assessment on Major Apple Diseases and Insect Pests in Chench and Bonke Woredas of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia Seifu Fetena1* and Berhanu Lemma2

Full Length Research Paper Assessment on major apple diseases and insect pests in Chench and Bonke Woredas of Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia Seifu Fetena1* and Berhanu Lemma2

1Arba Minch University Department of Horticulture P.O.Box 21 Arba Minch, Ethiopia 2Arba Minch University Department of Plant Science P.O.Box 21 Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Accepted 14 July, 2014

Assessment on major apple diseases and insect pests was conducted in Chencha and Bonkeworedas of Gamo Gofa Zone in 2012/13 cropping season. The aim of the study was to determine occurrences and assess impacts of major diseases and insect-pests. Survey was done to assess the awareness level of the farmers about the apple insect pests and diseases. From the two woredas, five administrative kebles were purposively selected. A total of 90 respondents (73 male and 17 female) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition group discussions were made with selected farmers of the study areas. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics by employing SPSS software version 15. Apple scab and powdery mildew (45.1%) as measured during the survey period was the serious disease. Insect pests such as apple aphids, scale insects and green plant bugs were also observed. Royal Gala variety being replaced by Crispin in Chencha due to its susceptibility to apple scab disease. About 35% of respondents revealed that farm tools and winds were the main spreading mechanisms of major apple diseases and insect pests. About 48.3 % of the respondents indicated that they are using different traditional apple disease and insect pest control methods. About 28.3% of the respondents were revealed that 151-250 apple seedlings and apple mother trees lost due to major apple diseases and insect pests. About 28.3% of the respondents were revealed that less than 25 kg of apple fruit lost due to major apple diseases and insect pests. It can be concluded that the awareness of farmers about most of the diseases and insect pests were very low. Therefore, this study recommended that there is an urgent need from concerned offices to improve apple farming system in the study area.

Key words: Assessment, Apple, Diseases, Insect pests, Respondent, Chencha and Bonke.

INTRODUCTION

The origin of cultivated apple is not definitely known. But, temperate fruits are widely adapted and produced at the center of origin is probably in the area containing highlands of the different regions. The crops were first Caucasus region (central Asia and the Himalayas). The brought to Chencha area in the Gamo hills by origins of the domestic apple are uncertain, but it is Missionaries (Kale-Hiwot Church) about 60 years ago. usually believed to have derived from Maluspumila, a Since and gradually the crops are well adapted in the small-fruited species that occurs naturally in Eastern area produce good quality of fruits and Europe and western Asia (John, 1986). introduced/promoted to some other different new areas Although Ethiopia is not in temperate climate zones; of the region. In SNNPR, at the present time, the temperate fruits commercially grown at hilly areas of different zones, inparticular at Chencha, Ezzo -Bo roda, Kamba, Bonke(Gamo-Gofa zone), Angacha, Doyogena (KT *Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]. zone), Gumer, Ijsa (Gurage zone), Misha, Lemo, Duna, Fetena and Lemma 395

Soro (Hadiya zone), H/Selam (Sidama zone) and Bulle was counted, recorded on data collection sheet and (Gedeozone)(Bayeh, 2007). calculated during field observation. The questionnaires In most cases apple fruit share common diseases with were prepared. A simple random sampling technique was similar management practices. The most important used to conduct the study. Five kebles were purposively diseases occur in commercially temperate fruits grown selected from two apple growing districts of Gamo Gofa areas are apple scab, powdery mildew (PM), cankers, Zone with classifying in type of specific variety three from collar and white root rots, Leaf spots, Crown gall, and Chencha and two from Bonke. Comprehensive lists of viruses. The postharvest diseases such as Penicillium, apple growers in the selected sites were prepared. Out of Monilinia, Glomerella, Alternaria, Phomopsis, Aspergillus total 1207 apple growers from the selected woredas, spp. are reported to infect pome fruits in storage (Thind, samples of 90 farmers were selected by using the Table 2001). Apple trees are prone to several pests and for determining the sample size (Fitzgibbon and Morris, diseases depending on different local conditions. It is a 1987). A proportionate sampling procedure was adopted melancholy fact that the apple is attacked by a wide for the selection of farmer respondents from each kebele. range of pests and diseases which at worst can reduce Therefore, 45 from Chencha and 15 from Bonkeworeda the crop to zero, and damage or even kill the tree. The were selected. The data were collected with the help of yearly per head income of some farmers in the validated and pre-tested interview schedule through ChenchaWoreda has risen up to 100,000 – 300,000 birr personal interviews by the research team in addition to from pome sales only (BANRD Chencha, 2012). Thus, questioners collected by the development agents. Group today, every grower of the apple fruits in all areas of the discussions were made with selected farmers of the region focus/target in production of grafted seedlings. study areas. Photo of damaged part of the study plant However, there is a paucity of information on its had taken and then comparison of the collected data production limiting factors especially on diseases done. occurrence, distribution and severity in the areas. Therefore, in the current study, occurrences and impacts of major diseases and insect-pests of apple trees were Data Collection studied in Chencha and Bonkeworedas of Gamo Gofa Zone.  All number of apple tree in the selected apple farm was counted and recorded  Diagonal and W-shape sampling technique laid out to MATERIALS AND METHODS select mother apple tree  The presence and absence of the major insect- pests Description of the project locations and diseases in selected apple farm recorded  Percentage of infected apple trees counted and The survey was conducted at Gamo Highlands, Southern recorded Ethiopia in the two woredas named Chencha and Bonke  The diseases and insect damage taken using the 0-5 because of apple become a very voluble crop of the area rating scale and percentage respectively, where 0 = no and highly cultivated over large hectares. They are symptoms (healthy), 1= slight, less than 5% of leaves located 37 and 54 km far from Arba Minch Town, affected, 2= moderate, 5-20% of leaves affected, some respectively. The mean annual temperature and rainfall yellowing, little or no defoliation, 3= extensive, 20-50% of the study areas are 22.5 and10.1-27.50c and 1201- of leaves affected, significant defoliation, 4= heavy, 50- 1600 and 810-1600mm/annum, respectively. The altitude 80% of leaves affected, severe defoliationand 5 = ranges up to 1900-2300 and501-3500m.a.s.l, extreme, 80-100% leaves affected, complete or near- respectively (GGZAARD, 2009). During the survey period complete defoliation. in selected kebeles, it was observed that apple was the  Damaged fruits was rated by 0-3 scale and average main occupation of the Chencha farmers and subsistent percentage respectively for each plant where 0 = no activity in Bonkeworeda. More than 100 varieties of symptoms (healthy), 1= slight, less than 5% of fruits temperate fruits found in the study area, but the dominant affected, 2= moderate, 5-20% of fruit affected, some were about 40 and among these nine (seven old and two yellowing, little or no defoliation, 3= extensive damage. new) apple varieties were assessed in this study.

Method of Data Analysis Survey methods The collected data were coded and entered in SPSS Survey was done to assess the awareness level of the software version 15. Descriptive statistics was computed farmers in Chencha and Bonkeworedas about the apple and the output presented in the form of percentages insect pests and diseases. Damaged parts of the plant using tables. Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 396

Table 1. Occurrence of diseases and insect pests on apple leaves.

No Variety Leaves Chencha Bonke Powdery Apple Aphid and Powdery Apple Scab Aphid and mildew (%) Scab (%) caterpillar (%) mildew (%) (%) caterpillar (%) 1 BR 26 57 23 31 46 12 2 Crispin 23 50 21 26 42 16 3 Granny Smith 34 23 28 16 32 20 4 Jonagoled 27 29 22 24 36 14 5 Red Delicious 30 43 18 29 35 22 6 Anna 9 15 12 5 8 3 7 Royal Galla 36 50 25 35 42 24

Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

Table 2. Occurrence of diseases and insect pests on apple fruit in in the study areas according to own rating scale.

No Variety Fruits Chencha Bonke Powdery mildew Apple Scab Aphid Powdery mildew Apple Scab Aphid 1 BR 0 2 1 0 2 1 2 Crispin 0 1 1 0 1 1 3 Granny Smith 0 1 1 0 1 1 4 Jonagoled 0 1 1 0 1 1 5 Red Delicious 1 1 1 0 1 1 6 Anna 0 1 1 0 0 1 7 Royal Galla 0 2 1 0 1 1

Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 35 mother tree and 30000 apple seedlings per three households. The disease symptoms were stunted growth, Occurrences of insect pests and diseases in the leaf fall and yellowing, branch dieback and finally died. study area during field visit/observation According to our observation the farms in which this disease occurred had the problem of drainage which is Observation data (Table 1) were collected on diseases favorable condition for the disease and we made and insect pest prevalence especially on grafted apple immediate recommendation to replace the infected apple survival and rejuvenation for field transplanting, on leave trees, use of drainage lines, deep cultivation and care for and fruit of mother trees in Chencha and Bonke Woreda management practices to the respective farmers via research Kebele’s named Shaye, Zolo and Losha; Chenchaworeda Agriculture Office. Immediate Bonke Chosha, Yala and Zazie, respectively. recommendations to make fence surrounding grafted Apple scab (46and 57 %) as measured during the apple seedlings were given to Bonke agricultural bureau survey period was the serious disease in the study area. expertise and development agents to prevent from rodent This disease causes high losses in BR, Royal Galla, damage of grafted apple. In addition to the above record, Crispin and Jonagold but lesser attach in Anna and many rotten apple fruits were found in some farmer’s field Grany smith. Except rodents and aphid no more insect which dropped after disease, insect pests and bird attack. pests were recorded. Green apple aphid was recorded However, farmers don’t collect the damaged apple fruits affecting tender leaf, apical bud and young leaves. and not bury inside the soil or for any other purposes. Damaged sample plant was also taken from From the above table 2 Royal Gala variety being Chenchaworeda particularly from EzoTulla and then replaced by Crispin in Chenchaworeda due to its given to Gamo Gofa Zone plant health clinic for further susceptibility to apple scab disease. Even the yield is identification. Based on the diagnosis result the white root very low. BR apple variety was good in terms of total fruit rot disease was identified which cause death of around but the quality is reduced by apple scab disease. If it is Fetena and Lemma 397

Table 3: House hold condition of respondents.

Gender Frequency Percentage Male 73 81.7 Female 17 18.3

Source: Own survey result (2012/13) managed well, BR apple variety can give good yield with put as general, about 86.7% are educated at certain good quality. During field observation many farmers grow level. Among these, about 63.3% of the respondents had apple varieties by mixing one another. This way of educational status of primary and juniors level. The farming may facilitate the development or occurrence of remaining 13.3% are neither read nor write. Basically diseases. All apple varieties are not resistant to insect education is important issue in apple production and pests and diseases so that if it is grown together insect management strategies. pests and diseases may have a chance to spread from one variety to another. Also it was observed that many Awareness about insect/pests and diseases so far rotten apple fruits were found in some farmer’s field (before) which dropped after attack. However, farmers don’t collected the damaged apple fruits and then bury inside The respondents were asked about the awareness of the soil or for any other purposes. In addition to insect insect/pests and diseases and their responses are pests, birds were attacked some varieties based on their displayed in Table 3 which reveal that a large majority preference like Red delicious variety and Crispin due to (33.4, 23.4 and 18.3%) of the respondents was aware of high deliciousness it is prepared by birds so that there apple insect/pests like aphid, apple maggot and borer are huge losses. The management of diseases and respectively whereas caterpillar and plant bugs were insect pest on apple were different from farmers to known to 16.6 and 8.3% of the respondents respectively. farmers as observed during field visit. No any chemicals However, powdery mildew and apple scab were the applied to control diseases and insect pest of apple in diseases which were known to a large majority (60.3 and both woredas of the study areas. 21.4%) of the respondents. Ripe rot and root rot were known less extent by the respondents. If the harvest is free from insect/pests and diseases, the produce not only SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS OF APPLE DISEASES appeals to the eye but also fetches high price in the AND INSECT PESTS market. However, because of the severe incidence of pests and diseases in the developing countries, many General demographic description fruits cannot be cultivated on commercial scale (Hashmi, 1994). This indicates that apple growing farmers have Under this sub-title, some of the demographic detail of better awareness about diseases that attack apple trees. the respondents discussed. This mainly includes sex Contrary to this, some respondents were not having distributions and educational statuses of the respondents. ideas about the disease types that attack their apple It seems like as follows when putted in table form. The trees. information about apple diseases and insect pests were collected by conducting interview and group discussion Occurrence and satisfaction level in controlling with randomly selected apple growing farmers including insect/pests and diseases as recorded in the study male and female participants between the age of 23 to 79 area years. The above table (table 1) showed that the number of household by female and male. Among60 farmers Occurrence and satisfaction level in controlling of major selected from five kebeles 49 were male leaded apple diseases and insect pests surveyed in 2013 at both households and the remaining 11 were female leaded woreda’s presented in Table 4. The survey result household. In general, the percentages of male and indicates that apple plants are subjected to major female respondents were 81.7% and 18.3% of total diseases and insect pests. Though some respondents sample unit respectively. According to above analysis, we reported the satisfaction level is medium in both woreda. understand that female play role in production in spite of Data recorded in Table 4 showed that occurrences and traditional perception. satisfaction level by farmers to control major diseases The above table (table 2) showed that the educational and insect pests is medium and low respectively. status of the respondents. As it is shown above most of According to the survey results of Fikre and Messele the respondents were able to read and write. When we (2007) temperate fruits are subjected to various diseases Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 398

Table 4. Educational status of the respondents.

Education level Frequency Percentage Primary and Junior 57 63.3 High school 18 20.1 Illiterate 12 13.3 Diploma 3 3.3 Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

Table 5. Respondents’ level of awareness about insect/pests and diseases of apple

Awareness A. Farmers response about Frequency PercentageB. Farmers response about Frequency Percentage Disease types Insect pest types Powdery Mildews 52 60.3 Aphid 30 33.4 Apple scab 21 21.4 Apple maggots 21 23.4 Ripe rot 8 8.3 Borer(Birds) 17 18.3 Fern 6 6.7 Caterpillar 15 16.6 Root rot 3 3.3 Plant bugs 7 8.3 Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

Table 6. Occurrence and satisfaction level to control of major apple diseases and insect pests.

A. Occurrence Frequency Percentage B. Satisfaction level to control Frequency Percentage Medium 80.1 Low 40 72 36 Low 13.3 Medium 26.7 12 24 High 3.3 No idea 23.3 3 21 No idea 3.3 High 10 3 9 Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

and insect pests. It was found that apple scab, powdery Plant parts infected by diseases and insect pests as mildews and leaf curl were the most frequently and farmer’s response predominantly occurred at all locations surveyed in SNNPR. Insect pests such as apple aphids, scale insects As indicated in the table 8, about 48.3% of the and green plant bugs were also observed to damage the interviewed apple growers revealed that fruits, leaves and plants. During field observation many farmers grow apple roots were plant parts affected by diseases in the study varieties by mixing one another. This way of farming may area. From the total respondents 28.3% mentioned that facilitate the development or occurrence of diseases. All fruits, stems and leaf part of the apple plant were apple varieties are not resistant to insect pests and damaged by diseases. Similarly about 35% of the diseases so that if it is grown together insect pests and interviewed apple growers revealed that fruits, leaves and diseases may have a chance to spread from one variety roots were plant parts affected by different insect pests in to another. the study area. From the total respondents 25% According to table 7, out of the total respondents 35% mentioned that fruits, stems and seedling part of the revealed that farm tools and winds were the main apple plant were damaged by insect pests. spreading mechanisms of major apple diseases and Many apple insect pests and diseases pass their life on insect pests to their orchard and from their apple farm to dropped fruit, overcrowded branches and dead leaves. the neighbor farms in the study areas but majority (55%) From apple growers interviewed 28.3% mentioned that of the respondents have no idea about the spreading sanitation as disease and insect pest control practices. mechanisms of insect pests and diseases. As presented in table 10 out of the total respondents, Fetena and Lemma 399

Table 7. Spread mechanisms of major apple diseases and insect pests.

Spreading agents Frequency Percentage No idea 49 55 Farm tools & wind 32 35 Birds 6 6.7 Birds & wind 3 3.3 Source: own survey result (2012/13).

Table 8: Plant part infected by disease and insect pests.

A. Plant parts damaged Frequency Percentage B. Plant parts damaged by Frequency Percentage by disease insect pests Fruit, leaf & root 43 48.3 Fruit, leave & roots 31 35 Fruit, stem & leaf 26 28.3 Fruit, stem & seedling 23 25 Seedling, leaf & fruit 6 6.7 Leaf & fruit 15 16.7 Root 6 6.7 Fruit 12 13.3 No idea 6 6.7 Flower 6 6.7 Leaf 3 3.3 No idea 3 3.3 Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

Table 9. Control mechanisms taken so far by the farmers.

Control mechanism Frequency Percentage Indigenous (botanical) control 43 48.3 Farm hygiene (sanitation) 26 28.3 No idea 21 23.3 Chemical control 0 0 Source: Own survey result (2012/13) about 48.3 % respondents revealed that they are using pests were recorded. Green apple aphid was recorded different traditional apple disease and insect pest control affecting tender leaf, apical bud and young leaves. Gala methods in the study area. To control apple diseases and apple variety bears many fruits but there were huge insect pests from their farm, apple growers have tried to losses of fruit which attacked by scab disease. Farmers use some indigenous control methods that are presented also confirmed that this variety was highly susceptible to in table 10 below. They mentioned that cow milk after disease. They asked what should be harvested from this mixing with chopped white onion to control some apple variety by indicating that children have a right to collect diseases like powdery mildew after spraying on surface the fruit for free. The farmers already neglected the of the apple trees. Respondents mentioned that this trial variety but not removed from the farm yet. There is no was not effective to manage apple diseases and insect any information given concerning resistance of varieties pests. Therefore, in addition to the above practices it is for insect pests. important to remove all dropped fruits around the apple trees to control the occurrence of diseases and insect Impact of major diseases and insect pests on apple pests from the area. production

Tolerance level of varieties grown in study area to As of table 11 above, about 28.3% of the respondents major apple diseases and insect pests were revealed that 151-250 apple seedlings and apple mother trees lost due to major apple diseases and insect Apple scab and powdery mildew (45.1%) as measured pests. During the apple orchard observations for disease during the survey period was the serious disease in the and insect pest attack, some apple plant dead due to study area. This disease causes high losses in BR, Royal diseases and insect pests at different growth stage. Galla, Crispin and Anna but lesser attach in Jonagold and Majority of respondents (43.3%) interviewed about apple Granny smith. Except rodents and aphid no more insect tree lost due to issues at have no ideas about the Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 400

Table 10. Resistant varieties grown in the study areas for diseases as depicted by respondents

Name of varieties Diseases Apple scab and powdery mildew Frequency Percentage Red delicious 41 45.1 Golden delicious 18 20 Granny smith 10 11.7 Jonagored 7 8.3 Anna 8 8.3 Crispin 3 3.3 BR 3 3.3 Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

Table 11. Number of apples dead due to major diseases and insect pests.

Number of apple trees & seedlings dead Frequency Percentage No idea 39 43.3 151-250 26 28.3 Less than 50 12 13.3 51-150 9 10 Greater than 250 4 5 Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

Table 12. Yield losses due to major diseases and insect pests on apple trees.

Yield loss in kg Frequency Percentage Less than 25 25 28.3 51-100 20 21.7 26-50 13 15.1 101-150 12 13.3 151-200 12 13.3 No idea 8 8.3

Source: Own survey result (2012/13)

condition of their apple plant. Group discussions with model farmers and key As of table 12 above, about 28.3% of the respondents informants were revealed that less than 25 kg of apple fruit lost due to major apple diseases and insect pests. During the In addition to the questionnaire, the research team had apple orchard observations for disease and insect pest made a group discussion with model farmers and key attack, some apple fruit dropped, eaten by birds and informants. During the discussion almost all informants rotten due to diseases and insect pests at different argue that the present status of insect-pests and maturity stage was observed in different farmer’s diseases of apple shown devastating from time to time, orchards in the study areas. Similar to the current especially in summer and winter season where the plant findings, Fikre Handoro and Messele Gemu (2007) escape from dormancy and get high vegetative growth. reported about causes of diseases and insect pests Meanwhile, in the discussion, farmers and the key which reduce the yield and quality differently on informants added the number of apple tree disappeared temperate fruits in the study areas. Further investigations due to the effect of the major diseases and insect pests have to be undertaken how and when to harvest apple (5-14 years old BR and 7 years Granny smith) and apple fruits particularly to control some post-harvest diseases production (200kg to 50kg BR decline in yield per tree that attack apple fruit. and 40kg to 10kg Granny decline in yield per tree). Fetena and Lemma 401

Beside to the listed problems above, lack of applying employing SPSS software version 15. Apple varieties management practices (weeding, pruning, training, grown in the study area are BR, Crispin, Granny Smith, fertilization, watering and separate plantation of seedling Jonagoled, Red Delicious, Anna and Royal Gala. Apple and orchard) by the farmers have a significant role on the diseases and insect pests recorded in the areas include occurrence of apple disease and insects in the area. Apple scab, Powdery mildew, Root rot, green apple Though farmers and key informants have been taught the aphid, birds, green plant bugs, and some caterpillars mechanisms (use of chopped garlic and tobacco mixed damaging on seedlings. Apple scab and powdery mildew with hot milk spray) of preventing major diseases and (45.1%) was the major diseases. Insect pests such as insect pests of apple by Kalehiwot Church and Bureau of green apple aphids, scale insects and green plant bugs Agriculture, the outcome was not effective. were also observed damaging on leaves of the plant. Discussion carried out with key informants in both Royal Gala variety being replaced by Crispin in Chencha woredas revealed also that green apple aphid due to its susceptibility to apple scab disease. About 35% (Eriosomalanigerum Hausman) and blossom thrips of respondents revealed that farm tools and winds were (Taeniothripsrhopalantennalis Shamsher Singh) were the the main spreading mechanisms of major apple diseases major insect-pests and scab (Venturiainaequalis), and insect pests. About 48.3 % of the respondents powdery mildew (Podosphareaieucotricha) and collar rot indicated that they are using cultural apple disease and (Phytophthoracactorum), were the major diseases insect pest control methods. About 28.3% of the notified at different kebeles limiting apple production. respondents were revealed that 151-250 apple seedlings Apple varieties that can resist/tolerate major diseases and apple mother trees lost due to major apple diseases and insect pests are Jonagored, Golden Delicious and and insect pests. About 28.3% of the respondents were Red Delicious while BR, RoyalGalla and Crispin are revealed that less than 25 kg of apple fruit lost due to susceptible to major diseases and insect pests according major apple diseases and insect pests.It can be to farmer’s response. concluded that the awareness of farmers about most of The woredas have not showed any intervention the diseases and insect pests were very low. Similarly concerning the sustainable prevention of major diseases occurrences status and satisfaction level by farmers to and insect pests. There can be little doubt that lacks of control major diseases and insect pests is medium and supply of special farm tools (knife, scissor, saw, watering low respectively.Agronomic practices of apple production cans etc) affect the ways to control diseases and insect to control diseases and insect pests are not satisfactory pests indirectly. In other cases, use of cultural in the study area. Some of the missing agronomic approaches that could include: removal of rush/debris, practices that have paramount significant to control apple crop rotation, tillage, cover crops, plant/row spacing, diseases and insect pests are pruning, soil cultivation, timing of harvest and water management, trap crops, spacing between plants, using chemicals, using resistant avoiding planting in areas with historically high levels of varieties, etc. Therefore, this study recommended that pests, and pest-free seeds placed a high role to minimize there is an urgent need to improve apple farming system pest levels. in Chencha and Bonkeworedas by establishing demonstration site and then farmers will learn and scale up the improved agronomic practices to their farm are CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION expected from Arba Minch University to overcome particularly the constraints of major diseases and insect The study area, Chencha and Bonkeworedas are the pests of apple plants in the study area. Most of the most potential apple producing woredas found in Gamo farmers in the study area were practiced poor apple Gofa Zone of Southern Nation Nationalities and People farming system. Hence, in order to manage insect pests Regional State. The study showed that diseases and and diseases of apple, some functional action plan has to insect pests on apple fruit has decreased the market be designed and field day progammes at each apple value of the fruit. The main aim of this study was to growing woredas should be organized by the concerned determine occurrence of major diseases and insect-pests offices. An integrated pest management approach should of apple in the study area and to assess impacts of major be introduced in the study area in place of depending on diseases and insect pests of apple based on community’s any single apple disease and insect pest control perception. A total of 90 respondents (73 male and 17 measures. female) included from three kebeles of Chenchaworeda and two kebeles from Bonkeworeda were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition ACKNOWLEDGEMENT qualitative data were collected using group discussion among selected apple growers and development agents The authors are thankful to Arba Minch University who were working in the selected kebeles. The analysis Research Directorate Office for funding the project and of data was done using descriptive statistics by continuous follow-up. Authors are also grateful to the Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 402

rural people of Chencha and Bonkeworedas for sharing GGZAARDO (Gamo Gofa Zone Agriculture and Rural Development their experience/knowledge of insect pests and diseases Office). (2009). Annual Report, Arba Minch Ethiopia. Hashmi, A.A. (1994). Insect pest and diseases management. In: O. of apple plant. Appreciation also goes to the bureau of Mayers, G.M. Khattak, H.R. Mian, M.Ayaz, E. Bashir, and R. Bental Agriculture for their kind assistance during the field (Eds.). Horticulture.National Book Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan. observations, discussions and interview. pp: 355-399. John, W. (1986). Tropical fruits, New York, united states. Thind, T. (2001). Diseases o f fruits and vegetables and their management.Kal.Pub.Lud. p. 467. REFERENCES

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